Zuko Komisa

The first nuclear medicine research facility on the continent, the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility in Pretoria, was formally launched on Tuesday.
Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, welcomed guests to the state-of-the-art facility and explained that it was the result of South Africa’s long-standing partnership with the European Union (EU), which began in 2012.
It has a cyclotron that produces isotopes used in radiation therapy. In addition to generating considerable capacity for research, development, and innovation in South Africa and aiding in the treatment of cancer and other diseases, the NuMeRI will offer integrated expertise in nuclear technologies in medicine and biosciences.
Speaking at the launch of the research facility Nzimande said the NuMeRI’s capabilities will contribute to the precision medicine approach and targeted personalised therapies being developed in South Africa
“The mobilisation of innovation and technology to address the disease burden and the need to provide quality health care to all South Africans is a key priority of my department’s Decadal Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation, It will assist in taking bio-innovations further down the value chain from radiolabelling to preclinical testing. It will also contribute to good manufacturing practices and clinical trials”
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation – Dr. Blade Nzimande,
The newly launched Nuclear Medicine Research Facility at the University of Pretoria’s Health Sciences Faculty, launched by Minister @DrBladeNzimande pic.twitter.com/IMLAzpMSH5
— HigherEduTrainingZA (@HigherEduGovZA) May 22, 2024
It will also provide consolidated expertise in nuclear technologies in medicine and biosciences, creating significant research, development and innovation capacity in the country.#Siyaqhuba pic.twitter.com/Y7CgL4WrgP
— HigherEduTrainingZA (@HigherEduGovZA) May 21, 2024
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